The Big Issues - Surrey Youth Justice Service
This has been an exciting partnership between the staff and artists at Watts Gallery and the staff and young people of Surrey Youth Justice Service.
Watts Gallery has welcomed young people between the ages of 13-17 and introduced them to some of the art and history in their county. They have had the opportunity to produce individual works of art in a variety of media and in the relaxing and fascinating environment of a working gallery. For many of the young people this was a new experience and one they responded to well and from which they benefitted enormously.
These benefits include developing their art skills with one-to-one guidance of staff and artists, some have gone on to use this in their GCSE art work or to help inform their GCSE choices. Self-esteem has been raised as they made discoveries, worked with new materials and people and gained in confidence.
The impressive sculptures by Watts inspired many of the participants to take unusual photos which then became an integral part of their artwork. It was exciting for them to experience this fusing of the traditional and modern and for Youth Justice Service staff to experiment with new ways of teaching, thinking and learning.
The welcoming environment and the support of staff and artists has truly enabled young people in Surrey to identify untapped potential and develop their skills. Hopefully in the future they will return to the gallery independently and enjoy other cultural activities available to them.
Leanne Grindal, Surrey Youth Justice Service